With one exception (the Leadership Excellence in Tourism award), the awards are determined by a process that begins with the announcement of specific categories.

* It is an "open nomination" process that anyone can take part in.
* After a specified time, nominations are closed.
* A panel of judges, organized by Visit Spokane from Visit Spokane's membership, then evaluates the nominations and, ultimately, votes.
* Award nominees and recipients are announced at Visit Spokane's annual meeting.
* Award recipients are presented with their awards during the annual meeting.
* The Leadership Excellence in Tourism award is determined by a vote of the Visit Spokane Board of Directors. This award honors significant achievement and historically significant contribution by a person (or persons) who has impacted Spokane's tourism industry for more than 10 years.